An old friend I hadn’t seen in a while asked how things were going. Without thinking twice, I said, “I’m exactly where I need to be.” It wasn’t a rehearsed line, and I wasn’t just trying to dodge small talk. It’s something I actually believe now, shaped by time, by…
Brunei Darussalam
Reflections from My First Umrah
Alhamdulillah, we’re home. Safe, tired, and honestly still trying to process everything that happened over there. I sat down a few times to write this and kept deleting what I’d written because it felt too neat, too polished for what was actually a messy, overwhelming, beautiful few weeks. So here’s…
Brunei & Governance
My Thoughts on Growing Grains, Trees, and People
“If you want a year of prosperity, grow grain; 10 years of prosperity, grow trees; 100 years of prosperity, grow people.” I keep coming back to this proverb. Can’t shake it, actually. Maybe because as an anakbrunei, someone who’s watched this country up close for a long time, it names…
Faith & Reflection
Teaching Adab and Akhlak to Children in a Digital Age
In today’s world, where children are increasingly exposed to digital influences, teaching them the timeless values of adab (etiquette) and akhlak (moral character) can feel like an uphill battle. From YouTube to TikTok, kids are bombarded with content that can shape their worldview in ways parents and educators may not…
Faith & Reflection
Stoic Wisdom and Islamic Teachings: 7 Timeless Lessons
Assalamualaikum and Jumaat Mubarak to all. What strikes me about the overlap between Stoicism and Islam is how similar they are in tackling the big questions of life. You’ve got ancient Greek philosophers on one side, and the timeless teachings of Islam on the other, both offering remarkably similar insights…
Faith & Reflection
The 3 Circles of Influence: An Islamic Perspective on Focusing Your Energy
Salam Jumaat Mubarak! On this blessed Friday, it feels apt to share a powerful observation on how we can better manage our lives and fulfil our responsibilities as Muslims. Let’s consider the concept of the “3 Circles of Influence,” as introduced by Stephen Covey, and how it harmonises beautifully with…
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